An Innovator/08 Award will help raise you or your organisation's profile - both regionally and nationally - whilst increasing awareness of your innovation. These in turn could lead to improved and enhanced relationships with your partners, and new collaborations and opportunities with businesses and universities. It could even attract new clients. It is an excellent way of demonstrating your commitment to being an innovator in your field.
Shortlist of Yorkshire and Humber's most innovative companies announced
Twenty of Yorkshire and Humber's most innovative companies have been shortlisted for a new set of awards aimed at recognising those who have turned new ideas into great business.
The 'Innovators/08' were launched by Yorkshire Forward last year to showcase the very best of the region's innovative companies, giving businesses the opportunity to celebrate their forward thinking, raise their profile with clients and potential new customers, and demonstrate their commitment to being a leader in their field.
Jim Farmery, Head of Innovation at Yorkshire Forward explains; "The 'Innovators/08' shortlist has some really great examples of companies developing new ideas technologies and ways of working in the region, and these awards are designed to celebrate their success.
"We also want to use the awards to raise awareness of the benefits of innovation and the facilities on offer in the region that can help companies integrate new ideas and technologies for the benefit of their business."
There are eight awards categories recognising innovative ideas, company leaders and collaborations between business and universities. The awards and companies shortlisted are as follows:
Innovation Champion Award supported by Connect Yorkshire, celebrates dynamic individuals or organisations who are champions of innovation.
- Dr Farmilo, Commercial Manager at Materials Analysis and Research Services Centre of Industrial Collaboration (CIC) in Sheffield has identified opportunities for commercialising research.
- Sheffield based Medilink has created a unique "UK best practice" regional innovation model, which brings together major stakeholders in the health technology sector.
- Leeds based Medipex has set up an NHS innovation hub which develops healthcare related innovations and provides intellectual property management.
Innovation in Leadership Award supported by the Institute of Directors, celebrates dynamic individuals whose leadership drives effective business innovation.
- Sheffield Hallam University's Dr Brown, Director for Enterprise Teaching and Learning, established the university as a leading institution in graduate employability.
- Sheffield Hallam University's Jim Roddis, Assistant Dean of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Science, initiated the Design Futures CIC, and its many successes.
Innovative Young Company Award supported by Business Link, celebrates businesses under two years old, showing a high degree of innovation and entrepreneurship.
- University of Leeds spin out company Tissue Regenix has developed the world's first series of regenerative biological scaffolds.
- Leeds based The Cool Drinks Company is the first company in the UK to offer a refrigerated pure, fresh and natural drinks range for vending machines.
- Chamelic Limited, another University of Leeds spin out has created a surface responsive treatment which is environmentally friendly.
Collaborative Innovation Award supported by the Technology Strategy Board, celebrates businesses working in collaboration with partners.
- Hebdon Bridge based AGA Healthcare has developed a Clinell Sporicidal wipe with the University of Huddersfield, the Department of Health, and the Hospital Infection Research lab.
- Grimsby based AJM Consulting Services developed a system that uses data to analyse the performance of machines with Newcastle University and the Centre for Process Innovation.
- Doncaster based Pegler Limited developed a central heating switch with the universities of Sheffield and Hull, Castings Technology International, Arrow Technologies and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
- Leeds based Brandon Medical has completed a MedLink collaboration with Imperial College and is undertaking for two major collaborative research and development programmes.
Culture of Innovation Award supported by the Confederation of British Industry, celebrates businesses with a culture that enables innovation.
- Harrogate based Erudine dedicates 15% of the week to exploring new ideas and has creativity spaces in the office.
- Barnsley based Naylor Drainage Ltd has successfully developed new garden ware products through a new culture of innovation.
- Leeds based Elmwood practices include inspiration vouchers, specific task groups and learning programme.
Global Innovation Award supported by UK Trade and Industry, celebrates businesses using innovation to access new international markets.
- Leeds based Q8Oils has replaced petroleum-based lubricants with sustainably-based fluids which has international social, economic and environmental benefits.
- Hebdon Bridge based AGA Healthcare's Clinell Sporicidal wipe can be exported to healthcare markets worldwide.
- Holmfirth based Briton Engineering Developments has re-engineered its outdoor snow equipment for changing international weather, and made it scalable to suit local markets.
Knowledge Exploitation Award supported by Research Councils UK, celebrates successful commercial exploitation of basic research.
- The White Rose Universities Consortium is a partnership of the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York, delivering effective healthcare solutions which support businesses develop and maintain their competitive advantage.
- Leeds based Q8Oils combines extensive knowledge of the refining process with the very latest in additive technology.
- The Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds is a world leading research centre for artificial replacement joints.
Technology Innovation Award supported by NESTA, celebrates a technological innovation which represents a technological advance for an industry or sector.
- Leeds based Tissuemed has developed Tissuepatch3, a surgical 'cling-film' sealant which improves wound healing.
- Leeds based Q8Oils has developed a sustainable metalworking fluid that performs as well as a mineral-based fluid.
- Leeds based Brandon Medical has developed High Definition LED medical lighting technology which has widespread applicability outside healthcare.
The twenty companies will attend a prestigious awards ceremony at Leeds Town Hall on 5 March 2008.
